Are Professors Biased?

Is there a liberal bias in the classroom, or a conservative bias? Know the difference between professors who express their opinion appropriately and the few who do not.

Are professors biased? Is there a liberal bias against Christians on college campuses? What is the definition of liberal bias or conservative bias? The answers to these questions are complicated and subject to interpretation. So here's my personal take on things:

Yes, bias in the classroom does exist. Many professors are liberal, and therefore much of this bias is liberal. (Keep in mind, however, that some schools and professors are more liberal or conservative than others, and not all bias is liberal.). If you ask social critics such as Ann Coulter or David Horowitz, this is a very serious problem. I think they are exaggerating. Although I do think it is an extremely serious problem if professors discriminate against their students based on political or religious beliefs, I don't think that a professor's personal opinions matter as much as some people may think.

First of all, all professors have bias (as do students). Although the professor can attempt to keep the class as balanced as possible, it's impossible for that bias not to affect the class to some degree. The topics, readings, and discussions chosen by the professor will reflect how the professor sees the world.

Second, professors should have the right to express their personal opinions openly, just as students should. Wouldn't you rather know where your professor stands on the issues being discussed in class than for this to be a mystery? During the McCarthy era, professors with the "wrong" views were fired and silenced. It's important to maintain an atmosphere where everyone can express their opinions, including professors.

There's a line, however, between bias and discrimination. All professors have bias, but they have an ethical obligation to observe certain democratic practices in the classroom:

• A professor has an obligation to grade each student with the exact same criteria, regardless of a student's opinions. An excellent paper that states an opinion the professor strongly disagrees with should receive an A, and a lousy paper that echoes the professor's opinions should receive a D.
• A professor has an obligation to treat each student with respect and kindness, regardless of a student's opinion. Students who state their opinions in class should be addressed with respect and invited to elaborate, regardless of that opinion.
• If a student is attacked by other students for expressing his or her opinions, the professor needs to put a stop to this.
• A professor should not try to persuade students. It's fine if professors state their opinions and explain why they feel that way, but it's not their job to convince other people they are wrong.
• If a professor expresses his or her opinion, he or she must be willing to entertain other opinions and accept polite disagreement from students.
• To a reasonable degree, professors should expose the class to multiple opinions about a controversial issue to help students make up their own minds.

If you have a professor who discriminates against students, you should complain to the professor, the department, and/or the school. But please understand that this is a serious accusation, and that most professors who express their opinions do not discriminate against students who disagree with them. Personally, I would much rather have a student who strongly expresses opinions that are different than mine than a student who says nothing at all. Talk to the professor if you have concerns, and you may just find yourself in a friendly and intelligent conversation.